Sorbonne Université | France
Author Profile
Scopus
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Paul B. Fenton began his scholarly journey with Rabbinical studies, laying a strong foundation in religious and classical texts. He pursued his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Semitic Studies at Strasbourg University, completing them in 1972. His academic rigor led him to the Sorbonne, where he earned his Doctorate in 1976, focusing on Jewish Civilization within Islamic contexts—a theme that would become central to his lifelong research.
🧑🏫 Professional Endeavors
Prof. Fenton’s academic career is marked by prestigious appointments across leading universities. He served as a Research Assistant at the Taylor-Schechter Genizah Research Unit, University of Cambridge (1978–1983), later becoming Assistant Professor at Lyons University (1983–1991). He held a Full Professorship in Hebrew at Strasbourg University (1992–1997) before joining the Sorbonne, where he became Professor Emeritus of Hebrew and Jewish Studies and Co-Director of the Department of Arabic and Hebrew Studies. His global presence is further highlighted through visiting professorships at major institutions including Hebrew University (Jerusalem), Yeshiva University (New York), Bar-Ilan University, and University College London.
📚 Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Fenton is celebrated for his deep exploration of Jewish life, mysticism, and philosophy in Islamic lands. His scholarship spans over 300 articles and more than 20 major books, many of which examine Judeo-Arabic manuscripts, Jewish mysticism, and interfaith intellectual exchanges. Notable works include:
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Obadyah Maimonides’ Treatise of the Pool (1981)
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L’Exil au Maghreb (2010, 2nd ed. 2012)
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The Pogrom of Fez 1912 (2012)
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A Thousand Year Exile in the Maghreb (2022)
His research has brought rare manuscripts to light and preserved centuries of Jewish-Arabic cultural interaction for future scholarship.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Prof. Fenton's expertise and academic leadership have earned him invitations to premier universities worldwide, a testament to the esteem in which he is held. His role as editor and translator of critical texts, often from original manuscripts, has cemented his place as a leading authority in Jewish and Islamic interrelations, especially regarding Jewish life under Islamic rule.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Prof. Fenton’s work has significantly reshaped our understanding of the Jewish experience in Islamic lands, uncovering the shared philosophical and mystical traditions of Jews and Muslims in the Middle Ages. His pioneering analyses of Judeo-Arabic texts and commentaries have helped bridge cultural divides and fostered scholarly dialogue between East and West.
🕊️ Legacy and Future Contributions
As a scholar, editor, and educator, Prof. Paul B. Fenton leaves a rich legacy of intercultural scholarship. His work continues to influence researchers in Jewish Studies, Arabic Studies, and Religious History. Through his extensive publications and ongoing presence on academic platforms like Academia.edu, his insights remain vital to both current and future scholars exploring the complex tapestry of Jewish-Muslim relations.
Publications
📄Article Title: Jews and Judaism in the Poetry and Prose of the Persian Sufi Abū Sa‘īd-i Abū l-Ḫayr (967–1049 CE): An Approach to the Religious Other in Medieval Islamic Society
Author: Paul B. Fenton
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025
📄Article Title: Neoplatonic Remanences in a Judeo-Arabic Commentary on the Song of Songs
Author: P.B. Fenton (Paul B. Fenton)
Journal: Studia Graeco-Arabica
Year: 2022
📘 Book Title: A Thousand Year Exile in the Maghreb: Sources and Documents
Author: Paul B. Fenton
Publisher: Bar Ilan University Press, Ramat Gan
Year: 2022
Language: Hebrew